​RIYADH: More than 600 exhibitors from 17 countries, featuring six international pavilions, have convened in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia hosts major exhibitions across the glass, aluminum, and steel industries. The 10th edition of Saudi Fabex 2023 and the fourth Glass and Aluminum exhibitions were inaugurated by Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Salem, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The exhibitions are scheduled to run daily until Oct. 18 at the Riyadh International Exhibition Center. This event aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan amid extensive construction efforts to diversify the economy. Fabex has been organized with the aim of providing a platform to explore the latest innovations, assess products and suppliers, and stay updated on industry and market developments. It aims to serve as an information resource and a place for networking within the industry. Al-Salem commended the support the industrial sector receives from the leadership, expressing his satisfaction with the significant turnout and interest in visiting the exhibition. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s appeal to global companies seeking participation in exhibitions and conferences, leading to increased sales and future contract acquisitions, as reported by SPA. Al-Salem also praised the presence of local content from domestic sectors, confirming the significant progress of the exhibition compared to previous years, aligning with modern industrial developments. He noted the Royal Commission’s plan to replicate such specialized exhibitions in Jubail, Yanbu, and Jazan. Ahmad Mujahed, the general supervisor of the fair, highlighted that the exhibition has evolved into a globally interactive industrial event, with three times more participation requests compared to previous editions. The event coincides with the increasing demand for modern technology and technical solutions. Mujahed anticipated a doubling in the number of visitors to both exhibitions during their current editions due to the strong interest in the Saudi market and the significant progress made by the industry. This promotes investments in industrial projects and supports Vision 2030’s objective of boosting the industrial sector’s contribution. Since its inception in 2012, FABEX Saudi Arabia, alongside Metal & Steel Saudi Arabia, has solidified its position as a significant platform for steel, steel fabrication, and metal processing. The 2022 edition saw participation from more than 6,158 visitors and 221 companies representing 19 countries worldwide, showcasing new technologies, and innovative products, including the latest technologies, furnaces, equipment, and live machine displays.